BROEK IN WATERLAND: A FAIRY TALE VILLAGE NEAR AMSTERDAM

Broek is Waterland is one of the most beautiful villages in the world and its proximity to Amsterdam has not yet spoiled its character. There are very few tourists who venture to this village, or even local people living in Amsterdam.

I am perhaps one of the few people living in Amsterdam that bikes to Broek in Waterland just for a coffee when the weather is good. The village is simply breathtaking during the Spring and the Summer months and the short bike ride through the pastures parallel through the stunning canals and house boats.

If you are looking for a true cultural Dutch experience in a spectacular setting Broek in Waterland is the place for you. There plenty of things to do in Broek in Waterland to spend half a day in the village.

I have not only been in this hidden gem in Amsterdam hundreds of times along the years, but I have also guided small group tours and all my customers loved the experience.

I am putting this guide together to help you preparing your trip to this fairy tale like village and make the best out of your visit as well as sharing some of pictures.

TIP: This Amsterdam countryside tour has a final stop in Broek in Waterland, sometimes they just will drive you around with the van around the village or they will let you a 5 minutes walk. It is the perfect way to see the village if you have a very short time Amsterdam.

ABOUT BROEK IN WATERLAND

The village of Broek in Waterland first mentions date back in the second half of the 13th century.The village main economic means were by then agriculture and livestock farming. In the 16^th century it is documented that the village become mainly a merchant shipping and herring fishing village with a flourishing economy that peaked in the 17^th century.

The Broek in Waterland merchants mainly traded with the Baltic Sea countries, from which they mainly imported grain and they occupied a prominent place at the Amsterdam grain exchange.

Their business success resulted in great wealth, which often culminated in important assets through mutual marriages. For example, the famous Neeltje Pater left a fortune of approximately 7 million guilders upon her death in 1789.

The village enjoyed international fame as early as the 18th century and was visited by many travelers. The Broek in Waterland cleanliness, the stately wooden houses and the surrounding ornamental gardens were especially famous.

The village arose on the northeast side of the Broekermeer. When that water was drained in 1628, a small lake was maintained, the Havenrak, around which the village grew. It is remarkable that the location of buildings has hardly changed over the centuries. The wooden houses around the Havenrak originally date from the 17th century or earlier, but were often renovated later. As a result, most facades now look from the 18th or 19th century.

In the era of the VOC (Dutch East India Company), this village attracted ship-owners, captains, and affluent merchants due to its tranquil, picturesque setting, conveniently close to Amsterdam. Among its notable residents was the esteemed Neeltje Pater, believed to be one of the wealthiest women in Dutch history. These prosperous individuals erected elegant wooden houses, adorned with exquisite interiors, and painted in charming pastel hues, adding to the village’s allure.

MY EXPERIENCE IN BROEK IN WATERLAND

I have been countless times to Broek in Waterland and I love it. The peace and serenity in this fairy tale like village is such that I bike usually bike to it just for a coffee and some peaceful writing time on my own.

Some times I have shared the trips with friends just to organize a picnic by the Havenrak and watch the sunset lying on the grass. I do not get tired if admiring the beauty of this hidden gem in The Netherlands.

I brought also groups of tourists when I worked as a tour guide and some of my groups found it to be the highlight of the tour as it is a real immersion into the Dutch culture and a place where other tour companies will not bring you.

BROEK IN WATERLAND LOCATION

Broek in Waterland is located just 11, 2 Km from Amsterdam central, North of Amsterdam.

Find here a pin with Broek in Waterland location:

HOW TO GET TO BROEK IN WATERLAND

Broek in Waterland is a 15 minutes bus ride from Amsterdam and there are buses departing 2 times per hour. The lines number 312, 314, 315 or 316 bring you to the village.

Check the 9292 website for which bus is best for your time and if you are departing from other location, than Amsterdam. Don’t worry, that’s the English link.

Get an OV chip card (a transportation card) that you refill as you go. You can buy them in the yellow machines in Central Station or ask for assistance at the tourist information point.

In the Summer months I recommend you going by bike as the scenery is breathtaking and it is not such a long way, all flat, we are in The Netharlands.

Find here the itinerary if you decide to go on your own:

If you are on a short trip to Amsterdam I better recommend you getting a tour and cover more than one Amsterdam countryside village in one day and you will get some precious insight from your tour guide.

BEST TOURS TO BROEK IN WATERLAND

–Off the beaten path group tour to the Dutch countryside: This is a group tour for 4 people and it is my top recommendation as it will bring you to some of the best secret spots in the Amsterdam countryside. It has a last stop in this fairy tale village and you will for sure have a great time and memory of your visit to this village

🚐 Book tour off the beaten path tour in the Dutch countryside here

Amsterdam countryside bike tour: If you are in good shape and willing to bike around Amsterdam this tour is for you. It will not only bring you to Broek in Waterland but to some other stunning villages around the area. In fact, as a local, my favourite way to reach this village is by bike.

🚲 Book this bike tour to Amsterdam countryside here

Senior countryside private tour: This tour is specially tailored for senior people who have mobility problems and will bring you to some of the most hidden corners in the countryside such as less such as De Rijp, Driehuis, Beemster and will end up in this fairy tale like village on the way back to Amsterdam

🚐 Book tour senior countryside tour here

WHERE TO STAY WHEN VISITING BROEK IN WATERLAND

Broek in Waterland is lovely residential village and does not offer accommodation. The coolest place to stay during your visit is Monnickendam, another hidden gem in the rural area around Amsterdam that is just 4,7 Km away. You can also stay in Amsterdam Noord as it is quite close as well.

Find here my list of recommended hotels to stay:

MONNICKENDAM

Hotel Monnickendam: This hotel is a recently renovated apartment in Monnickendam where you can enjoy a nice terrace and bar facilities. The hotel is air-conditioned and it is located around 9Km from Amsterdam. The city view from the hotel is breathtaking and some of the units have views to the lake. There is a snack bar and mini-market on site.

Harbour Suites Boutique Hotel: This is a beautiful boutique hotel in Monnickendam equipped with private bathroom and with very nicely decorated rooms. The hotel has been rated as very good for travelers.

AMSTERDAM NOORD

ClinkNOORD Hostel: This is a very clean and safe hostel in Amsterdam Noord very close to the famous “This is Holland”. Ideal if you are traveling on a budget and you are willing to share rooms.

Ben the highdocks: This is a one bedroom apartment in Amsterdam Noord where you can cook and save lots in restaurants. The apartment is quite small but very local style,

BEST THINGS TO DO IN BROEK IN WATERLAND

WALK AROUND THE VILLAGE

Whether you are going on a guiding tour or on your own, take some time to stroll the village and feel the atmosphere and the relaxed vibes in the villages. The peaceful sounds of the birds and the super amazing flowers gardens, perhaps some swans and boats sailing through the canals.

Broek in Waterland beauty and nature sounds will be a feast for your senses. Just relax and wander and discover the village vibes.

PICNIC BY DE HAVENRAK

This one of my favorite activities to do in Broek in Waterland. Sitting by the grass around the Haverank lake after an energizing bike ride through the Amsterdam countryside and eat some Dutch traditional cheese with wine, for example, or some other delicacies.

Some tours offer a picnic in the Havenrak.

VISIT SAINT NICOLAS CHURCH

This church dedicated to Saint Nicolas is one of the oldest in the region. The church of Broek in Waterland was built before 1400 and was dedicated to Saint Nicolas. On September 26, 1573 the church was destroyed by the Spanish soldiers during theEighty Years’ War.

In 1628 the inhabitants of Broek in Waterland started to rebuild the church on the foundations of the old building.

There are some very interesting gravestones inside the church as it is a protestant church and the tradition was to bury people inside the church. The gravestones are still inside the church but the bodies have been relocated to the nearby cemetery.

HAVE SOME BITTERBOLLEN INSIDE THE CHURCH

From May until September the church is used as a cafe where you can drink, coffee, beer and eat some snacks. The cafe is run by a group of volunteers that use the earnings for the maintenance of the church.

The Broek in Waterland cafe opening times are Sunday and Monday from 13:00 until 16:00 and from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 until 16:00.

You can have your drink inside the church or sit in a lovely terrace outside overlooking the Havenrak.

The church still serves to celebrate religious services and also holds cultural events. You can check the events agenda on the Broek in Waterland church website.

WATCH THE TINY DUCK HOUSE

There is this tiny house for ducks in the middle of the Havenrak. Just make sure you do not miss it as it is pretty unique. All tourist that I brought to Broek in Waterland found it super cool.

CHEK NEELTJE PATTER HOUSE

In Broek in Waterland, Neeltje Pater’s house remains a relic. She was working in a management position for the VOC and returned back home from a expedition with a fortune valued in millions of Dutch guilders. She hided the fortune and when she passed away nobody could find it until these days.

There are still people coming to the village claiming to be rightful descendants of Neeltje Patter to see if they can find and claim her inheritance.

TAKE A BOAT TOUR

One of the most beautiful things you can do is rent a boat and cross the little quaint canals of Broek in Waterland.

There is only one rental company in the village, called Whisper boats, and it is only open during the warms. The weather is two cold during the rest of the year for the boat ride to be enjoyable.

If you are on a short trip in Amsterdam I recommend you to book an organized tour.

ADMIRE THE WOODEN HOUSES

The wooden houses in Broek in Waterland as so stunning you will find photogenic spots in every corner. Do not forget to bring your camera and a fresh face to pose for some really stunning photos.

EAT AT THE WHITE SWAM RESTAURANT

This lovely restaurant boasts a lovely terrace and some truly culinary delicacies.

I have eaten several times in it and find it super cool. The building is also another fairy tale like house with a super serene atmosphere that will transfer you some amazing vibes.

MORE DUTCH COUNTRYSIDE NEAR AMSTERDAM GUIDES

I hope you have enjoyed this comprehensive guide to Broek in Waterland!

While you’re here, make sure to check out some of my other articles below, where I go into more detail on some of the places mentioned in this article.

• 13 cool things to do in Volendam
• 9 awesome things to do in Broek in Waterland
• 13 top things to do in Edam
• 14 best things to do in Marken
• Monnickendam: a hidden gem in the Amsterdam countrysid

RECAP

This hidden gem in the Amsterdam countryside is a secret that only local people know about and many of them do not really appreciate.

You will enjoy a stunning beauty and nature and will walk almost empty streets while immersing yourself in the true Dutch culture.